ADK

Look how beautiful that lake is.  Tell me this isn't a lil slice of heaven.

Smiling and laughing.

At this point, we're seriously ready for the pics to be done.  Still smiling!

My brother bear is my very best friend. <3 br="br">

Guys, this is where I grew up.

Where I get to go for Christmas this year.

I can't wait to make new memories:

see snow, my brother bear, and my family.

Living away from family is so hard sometimes all the time.

I love them and miss them all so much.

Looking forward to my winter in the ADK.

A Good Life

There is a time for everything...

But a lot of times, we aren't ready.

We are never ready for the time to come.

It's amazing how God makes things happen in His time.

Regardless of whether or not we are ready, He just calls the shots.

In a way, I'm grateful He does.

I really don't think I could handle making big decisions in this life.

Sometimes, time just takes your breath away...

knocks the wind out of your sails,

and leaves you gasping,

unprepared,

shocked.

Tuesday, knocked the wind out of me.

My husband called me at work (which never happens)

to tell me that his Mamaw was found that morning and no one could wake her up.

It just totally surprised me.  I wasn't prepared for this news.  And I know I've shared with you all that I'm far from my home and family and its not always easy for me.

Mamaw has become my Mamaw.  She loves me and listens to me and cares about me and now she isn't here.  And sometimes, I feel a little selfish for even being upset about it all when I didn't have the opportunity to know her nearly as long as her children/grandchildren/great grandchildren/great-great grandchildren.  Honestly, so many people loved Mamaw.

Words used to describe her:

loving

motherly

caring

faithful

young at heart

In the 5+ years I've known Mamaw, she has made me feel a part of the family.

She told me she loved me before my husband told me he loved me.

I will miss her.

So, in this hiatus from blogging, please, pray for our family.

Specifically pray for my mother in-law and my husband.

Thank you

Shopping My Closet: Round 3

Hey everybody!  If you want, take a peak at the first and second round of shopping my closet.

For those just visiting today, the point of shopping my closet is for me to go inside and create new ways to style old/familiar pieces.  Sometimes an item becomes so familiar that we get stuck wearing it the same way every time we wear it.  As I've gone out shopping recently, I've realized that there is nothing I really feel my wardrobe is lacking...however there are still days when I open those closet doors and think to myself (or my lucky hubs): "Gosh, I have nothing to wear."  You too?

So, as I was getting ready for a bridal shower last weekend, I texted my girlfriend asking her what she was wearing.  She started to complain that she had no "fall dresses" in her closet.  It made me think, I bet there are a lot of people out there wondering how to transition their summer dresses into a fall-ppropriate wardrobe.

I thought I would provide some ways that one might take a dress from summer to fall and possibly even winter.  It's actually not hard to do utilizing a few accessories/pieces you probably already own.
 Here are the two summer dresses I chose to transition:

Both dresses are cute and versatile for summer.  All I did to transition them into fall was add a few accessories/statement pieces you already have in your closet at home.

Dress: Old Navy (old), Cardigan: Gap Outlet, Necklace: eBay, Belt: Forever 21, Boots: Laredo

 Cardigans, boots, belts, and statement necklaces are a great way to make a simple summer dress work in cooler temps.  For a dressed down look, I love wearing my denim jacket over a dress with boots.  It's a great look for concerts.

Dress: Belk (old), Denim Jacket: Old Navy, Boots: Madden Girl

So there you have it, ladies!  There is no need to have separate "summer dresses" and "fall dresses."  You can wear your summer dresses throughout the seasons by adding some simple key pieces.

(It is still pretty warm in NC in the fall so I'm not wearing tights, but I would definitely rock a pair of tights under these dresses.)

Linking up with Wardrobe Wednesday!

Fall Temps

Just because it was the official first day of fall doesn't exactly mean its time to break out the sweaters and boots as much as I want to!  Sometimes NC gets around to changing temperatures a little bit later than nature's calendar recommends.

Fortunately, we seem to be on the ball this year and the high the past few days has only been in the 70s!  One of many reasons I'm in love with fall.

Sweater: Ralph Lauren, Skirt: me, Boots: Gap (old), Bag: Coach

Seriously, loving this cooler weather.  Aren't you?!

Case of the Mondays

Like it or not, Monday is here.

So I thought I would compile a bunch of things to make you laugh and get you through your Monday:

Trust me when I say you are not wasting 8 minutes of your life by watching this video.

If Monday is really dragging you down...

"Just once I would like to wake up, turn on the news and hear... 'Monday has been canceled, go back to sleep.'" (Unknown)

How can you not laugh at this Halloween costume?

Does anyone else miss Carmen?

Can I get an amen?

HAPPY MONDAY!!

Linking up with

Feel Good Kinda People

You know those people in your life that always make you feel good?  They say the right things, do the right things, and lift you up.  They notice your efforts and let you know that they notice.

I want to be one of those people.

Blazer: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad), Blouse: H&M, Pants: Gap Outlet (old), Shoes: Belk, Watch: Silpada

I mention those people because they really do make your heart smile throughout the day.  And sometimes, let's face it, our heart needs a good smile.

When I wore this outfit to work the other day, the secretary said, "You look so pretty."
It was a small thing, but it really made my heart smile. 

"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."

Elf

No Bake Re-make

When I started to make these the other night, my hubby immediately asked...

"Is it that time?"

You can guess why.

But, honestly, I have just been wanting to try this out and decided to do it!

Cookie Butter No Bakes

Ingredients:

4T cocoa

1 c. milk

1/2 c. butter

2 c. sugar

2 1/2 c. quick oats

1 c. cookie butter (Trader Joes)

Steps:

1. Boil cocoa, milk, butter, sugar mixture on stove and cook for 3 minutes while continuously stirring.
2. After 3 minutes, remove from heat and stir in cookie butter and oats.
3. Spoon onto wax paper and let cool.
4. Enjoy!

 I've been eating cookie butter any which way I can fathom since I bought it and I really felt it would be a great alternative to peanut butter in these cookies.

Boy, was I right!

I brought them to school for a coworker's birthday yesterday and they were all gone!

Sale Rack

It's Frugalista Friday again!

Love these days.
Gals, I rarely shop anything, but the sale/clearance rack at stores.
Almost always, I'm successful in finding something for a great price!
Sometimes, I end up missing out on something I really wanted because I can't/won't pay full price.
Not too often though.

A few weekends ago, I met up with my girlfriend for dinner and I got to the restaurant about 15 minutes earlier than I needed to.  So I decided to wander into the Belk right next door and browse the sales.  (*Belk has amazing sale racks if you've never thought to look before.*)

I ended up going into the fitting room with hands full, but walked out with just one item,

This dress...

It was originally $36.99 and I paid $8.99 for a total savings of $28

I wore it to school sans heels avec denim jacket and got quite a few compliments.

Outfit Deets:
Necklace: eBay $12.00
Dress: Belk $8.99
Shoes: Target (clearance) $8.98
Total Outfit Cost: $29.97

If you want to share your deal, steal, or sale of the week grab the button from my sidebar and share it in your post.  I look forward to seeing your scores!

Keepin' it Real

Guys, I have a confession to make.  I am not always 100% happy with my body.  You too?!

Over the years I've evolved into the woman I am today (spiritually, emotionally, & physically) and as I look back at pictures, I can see the physical development that has happened through time.  It surprises me that at no age was I ever truly confident with myself.  I look at pictures from high school and college and think....for reals?!  If only I could look like that now.... 

But back then, I didn't feel that way!  It's cray-cray to think that we are continuing to raise generations of females that are constantly critiquing themselves and setting unrealistic goals.

Do you remember times growing up when you criticized yourself? 

It's awful.  It's criticism that is totally unwarranted.  It was unwarranted then and its definitely unwarranted now.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Something that has always been close to my heart is exercise, fitness, and sports.  Over the years, those things have stayed close to my heart, but for different reasons.  When I was young, fitness equated to athleticism, fitting in, and acknowledgment.
(Good reasons or not...they were my reasons for staying fit.) 

Today, fitness equates health; overall health.  Spiritual health.  Mental health.  Physical health.  And this health isn't just fitting into a certain size or weighing a certain amount.  I've actually realized that  health is cardiovascular, bone density, and overall nutrition.  Being healthy is beautiful.

Taking care of ourselves is beautiful.  Imagine the impact you are making on young women when they see you lacing up your shoes to go workout as opposed to pushing your food around on your plate and pretending to eat.  Imagine the impact you are making on a young woman (who is watching you whether you realize it or not) when they see you put down the bag of chips, get up off the couch, and move instead of standing on a scale wishing for the numbers to change.

I'm not saying we all have to train for the Olympics or even run a marathon.  What I am saying is that true beauty and confidence are rooted in what we do.  If we do good, we feel good.

So, I had my husband take some pictures of me right after a long, hard run.  Some of you may think these pictures aren't attractive.  Some of you may be surprised that I would dare show you them.  Honestly, these pictures display me at moments when I feel most attractive.  I feel most confident and proud of my body after a good workout.  It's amazing what my body can do when I take care of it and the ability to run 10 miles or complete 3 consecutive circuit workouts makes me feel beautiful.

Tank: Champion, Capris: Target, Shoes: Mizuno

 Yes, I'm a sweaty mess, and no, I don't have biceps, but really this is me at my most beautiful.  Being the ginger that I am, my face is beat red, and will probably be that way for hours after these images are posted, but still....I feel beautiful.

Just my thoughts on what makes us beautiful and how we (including me) need to stop criticizing ourselves for not being that 4% of the population that can make it as a runway model.

What makes you feel most beautiful?

Scarves Giveaway

In case you haven't noticed, I love scarves.
And I would love to do a giveaway for one of my own infinity scarves!
But first, I want to get to 50 GFC followers.
So share this link&blog with your friends
and let's give a scarf away, peeps!

Scarves Giveaway by coachgaines featuring a green shawl

Hollister Co hollister co
hollisterco.com

Alexander mcqueen scarve
$270 - harrods.com

Balmain green shawl
$610 - montaignemarket.com

Love Quotes Scarves linen scarve
fashionville.com

Missoni scarve
bernardboutique.com

Fringe scarve
tessabit.com

Scarve
topshop.com

River island
$36 - riverisland.com

American Vintage summer scarve
$79 - frockaholics.com

My Fave Item

I'm linking up with Merrick and her sister today to share my favorite item in my closet.

I immediately started thinking about what I wear most often and realized just because I wear it a lot doesn't necessarily mean it is my favorite item.

So, this was a really hard task...until it wasn't. 

I was like, hmmmmm.....what in the world (the world of my closet) could be my favorite item?!
And then I was like, DUH!  I adore my wedding shoes.  Seriously - adore!
Not to mention the awesome shift dress I wore for my birthday last year (hubs treats me to a fancyshmancy night out each year for my b-day and I lurrrrrve it!)
So, then, all of a sudden, it wasn't hard any more.

Dress: Old Navy, Shoes: Poetic License

Shoes: Poetic License

Let's talk about these shoes.  I mean, not only are they awesome, but I wore them on my wedding day.

Of course, they're my favorite!

I found them online after having the most difficult time finding a pair that 1. I loved, 2. fit my vintage theme, and 3. fit me.  In the end, they were still too big (at a size 6 cue the midget feet), but I was able to make them extra comfy-cozy and snug with some Dr. Scholl's heel gels.

 What's your favorite item in your closet?

98 Days

Christmas is 98 days away!

&& I love Christmas!!!!!

I love Christmas because I love buying for and giving to other people.

Seriously, I put way too so much thought into my gift giving.

I wish the Christmas spirit continued throughout the whole year.

Every year, I'm full of ideas for other people

and I always struggle with the things that I want.

My hubby is an amazing gift giver and has already begun asking what I would like under the tree this year.  So, I've had to start thinking about what I truly want.  It's not been easy.

The biggest items are the ones I want most.

The smaller ones are things I could live without, but would enjoy.

I've been wanting a DSLR camera for at least a year now.  Honestly, I would be happy just getting it.

Just providing deets in case my hubby is reading. *wink*

Christmas Wish List by coachgaines featuring checkered shoes

Tom
toms.com

Mizuno lightweight shoes
piperlime.gap.com

Checkered shoes
target.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs rock watch
nordstrom.com

Kate spade
katespade.com

Remington
$34 - debenhams.com

Sunday Social

I'm linking up for Sunday Social today for the first time.

1. 5 items you can't live without on a daily basis
I can't live without my running shoes, my water bottle, my iPhone, my glasses/contacts, and my chapstick!

2.  All time favorite book?  Why?
A Wrinkle in Time.  I just love it!  I read it in 6th grade and it is one of the first books that really stretched me academically.  The whole time dimension thing and the sci-fi aspect make it even more appealing.  There have been many other good books, but none have taken #1 position.

3.  Something you would like to accomplish before the end of 2012:
I would love to have all editing on my book that I've written done-zo.

4.  If you could go back and relive any year of your life which would it be...
I guess 2005.  It started my senior year of college, my best soccer season at the collegiate level, and its the year we traveled to England/Scotland to play.

5.  What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?
I pray that people know I am unconditionally loving simply by who I am.

Liebster Blog Award

I'm really honored and excited (you know how I is) that Laura of Calm Delight nominated me for the Liebster Award! I really enjoy Laura's blog because she is down to earth and pulls together real life outfits that I could see myself wearing.  She also shares the most adorable pictures of her babe and glimpses into her life while living in Alaska!  I feel like if we didn't live on opposite sides of America, we could be real-life friends.

The Liebster Award (based on what I read) is given to bloggers that have less than 200 followers to give them recognition for being AWESOME!  Liebster is actually German for "dearest."

Here are the rules:

1. List 11 things about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who tagged you
3. Post 11 questions of your own
4. Nominate 5 friends that deserve the same recognition!
5. Be sure to paste the award in your blog post and inform the people you are tagging.**
6. Also, share the love by linking back to the blogger who tagged you

11 Things About Me:

1. I'm a believer and I'm forever grateful for His grace.
2. I teach middle school.
3. I am a runner by choice!
4. I drive a VW Jetta.
5. I like to sew and repurpose articles of clothing.
6. I am deathly afraid of worms...weird, I know.
7. My heart is the biggest organ in my body.  No matter what the textbooks say.
8. My feet have not grown since 5th grade.
9. I have red hair and pray for ginger babies one day.
10.  Fall is my favorite season.
11. When people comment on my blog, my heart grows wings.

And to answer Laura's questions...

1. What is your fashion style in just one word?
   Elegant
   
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
   I think it would be Charleston, SC.  I love that there is the city life, the beach, and history in one place.
3. What do you love most about blogging?
   I love the creative outlet.  It's like my adult conversation for the day with people that I have so much in common with.  It's not always possible to create friendships/interact with friends daily when you are in the "real world."
4. What is your fitness regime like?
   I work out almost every single day and the days that I don't, I struggle.  I guess running/working out is a good thing to be addicted to, but the days that I let my body rest always seem to be the days I want/need to run the most.
5. Favorite male actor?
   Hands down, Edward Norton.  Something about him...
6. How would your best friend describe you?
   I think my best friend would describe me as loving, understanding, and fun.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and she has seen that get the best and worst of me at times.  We always talk to each other about our worries, fears, successes, and goals and we have never had an argument - we just know how to have fun and enjoy life together.
7. What's your go-to, never-fail recipe?
   I think my "go-to" is either pot roast or poppy seed chicken.  Hubby loves both.
8. What is your dream job?
   In a perfect world, I would be able to teach a half day and then go home at noon to be with my babes.  I want to be a stay at home mom, but I don't want to give up my teaching career.  I am a morning person so this would be the best of both worlds.
9. Favorite brand of jeans?
   I think I'm going to have to go with Joes since I own so many pair.
10. What is your most proud accomplishment this year?
    I received the best compliment (in my opinion) ever from my principal this year.  Based on her words, I am living life leaving the legacy that I feel called to leave.
11. How late do you stay up blogging?
    I'm an old soul.  I mean, on a school night, I'm rarely up past 10:00. 

Now for my questions...

1. What initiated your desire to blog?
2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
3. What is your favorite accessory?
4. What is your favorite "treat"?
5.  If you found $100 on the street this afternoon, how would you use it?
6. What store is most represented in your closet?
7. What is your biggest dream?
8. If you had a Saturday all to yourself, how would you spend it?
9. What is your life mantra?
10. In five words or less, how do you want your readers to perceive you?
11. What album could be the soundtrack for your life?

 Thank you again, Laura for tagging me in this!

I tag...
Fashion is my Day Job
Shabby, Chic, and Cheap
Outfit Inspirations
Create, Hope, Inspire
Green Fashionista